By Chinelo Obogo and Godwin Tsa Abuja
Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has slammed the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) for imposing a ‘No Fly’ life ban on an Ibom Air passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, for unruly behaviour.
Similarly, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned both the Ibom Air and the AON, describing their actions as reckless and a violation of her right to dignity.
Reacting for the second time in 24 hours, Obi said on his X handle yesterday that the poor must not be punished while the powerful walk free. This as it was revealed that Ms Emmanson has been charged to court and subsequently locked up.
He said: “Yesterday, I sincerely apologised to Ibom Air and its crew for the unacceptable conduct of one of their passengers.
‘This morning, I woke up to learn that the passenger, the young Ms. Comfort Emmanson in her twenties, has been banned from flying for life, once again showing how our system works, proving the truth of Anacharsis’ words that “the law is like a spider’s web: it catches the weak, while the powerful break through with ease.”
Obi said there is everything systemically wrong and unjust about the decision , describing it as authoritarian.
“What due process was followed over night leading to this sanction? Have we exhausted the avenues of justice and compassionate resolution on this matter?
“It is a tragic irony that a young lady in her twenties can be banned for life, while we, her parents commit worse crimes against humanity and are celebrated; those in positions of authority perpetrate far greater offences that harm the nation deeply, yet move freely in comfort, shielded from consequences, and in Ms. Emmanson’s case, the authorities acted with lightning speed, but the same urgency is absent when dealing with the influential and politically connected.
“If this young woman, who indeed acted wrongly, now seeks to apologise, who will hear her cry in a country where the pain of the poor is invisible and the dignity of the less privileged is often disregarded? Justice must be consistent, or it becomes oppression in disguise.
“This must change. Justice must be equal for all. There must be room for compassion, for rehabilitation, and for understanding when misconduct stems from frustration or displaced aggression. Power must never determine who is punished and who is pardoned. May God heal our land.”
The NBA, in a statement by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, equally faulted the imposition of a lifetime flight ban on Ms. Emmanson without granting her a fair hearing.
Osigwe described the decision as heavy-handed, unlawful, and a serious affront to the rule of law and human dignity.
The NBA expressed outrage over reports and video evidence showing Ms. Emmanson being forcibly removed from an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, stripped of her clothing in public, and filmed in a humiliating state with the footage later circulating online.
“Such conduct is degrading, violates her right to dignity and privacy, and falls far short of the standards of civility and professionalism expected in the aviation sector,” the statement read.
The association also alleged that an Ibom Air hostess prevented Ms. Emmanson from disembarking the aircraft, a move it said could constitute false imprisonment and may have provoked the confrontation. It insisted on an independent investigation before any disciplinary measures are taken.
The power to suspend or restrict a passenger’s right to fly rests with the appropriate statutory regulator, not private associations or airline operators acting unilaterally,” Osigwe stated.
The NBA further condemned the unedited filming and online distribution of the incident, calling it “an egregious invasion of privacy and a criminal act.” It demanded the prosecution of those responsible for recording and circulating the footage without concealing Ms. Emmanson’s nudity.
The NBA pledged to offer Ms. Emmanson pro bono legal support to seek redress for the alleged violations.
“We will not remain silent while the fundamental rights of any Nigerian are trampled upon, whether by public authorities, private corporations, or individuals. Respect for human dignity and the rule of law must never be compromised, and in this matter, justice must prevail,” the statement concluded.
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